Reynolds to replace Schwinn as head of TDOE

Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds will take over the position as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) in July after current Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced her intention to step down at the end of the school year.  

Gov. Bill Lee announced that Schwinn will leave his administration after more than four years.  

“During her years of dedicated service, Penny has played a key role in our administration’s work to ensure educational opportunity for Tennessee students and secure the next generation of teachers, while navigating historic learning challenges,” said Lee. “I have tremendous gratitude for her leadership and wish her much success in her next chapter.” 

Schwinn joined the Lee administration in January 2019 and served as the head of K-12 education in the state of Tennessee throughout the pandemic. Schwinn from the Texas Education Agency, where she served deputy commissioner of academics until 2018.  

She also previously served as a high school history and economics teacher; an assistant superintendent, a school principal, and an elected school board member. Schwinn earned her bachelor’s degree from UC-Berkeley, her master’s in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and her doctorate in education policy from Claremont Graduate University in California.  

Reynolds presently serves as the vice president of policy for Florida-based non-partisan public education policy thinktank ExcelinEd, which was founded in 2008 by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.  

“Lizzette’s significant education policy expertise and leadership make her well-suited to continue our work to deliver a high-quality education and expand school choice for Tennessee students,” said Lee. “I welcome her to Tennessee and appreciate her service to students, families and teachers across the state.” 

Reynolds has previously served as deputy legislative director for then-Governor George W. Bush, special assistant in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs for U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, regional representative for U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, and chief deputy commissioner at the Texas Education Agency.  

Her career reflects a deep commitment to school choice, assessment and accountability, college and career pathways and education policy. She earned her undergraduate degree from Southwestern University.   

Sam Pearcy, currently deputy commissioner of Operations at TDOE, will serve as the department’s interim commissioner until July 1.